| FaithWriters - April 2019
News & Information for the Write Brained Christian"
Growing Christian Writers and Spreading the Gospel in over 230 Countries
Devotional & Newest Member E-books Included
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| | Congratulations Quarterly Challenge Winners!
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| | Come Back to the Writing Challenge - We Miss You! We have relaxed the guidelines without losing site of God's purpose.
Important Change in the Writing Challenge Effective with April 4th Entries "I could write a fantasy piece with a lion and a witch and no mention of God, and yet be firmly Christian." C.S. Lewis
About a year ago, we made a change to the Challenge submission rules after some had expressed concerns about the direction of the entries. The concern was that the entries were gradually drifting further away from FaithWriters' mission to improve Christian writers and put out good Christian writing. We agreed and made the change that has been in effect for the last year. This made some happy, and some not so happy believing we were being too restrictive.
Recently, we have talked to several members who approached us with knowledge of the change. We discovered that it was not necessarily the submission guidelines that they viewed as an issue. Their concern was that the guideline that entries come from a Christian worldview was not always being upheld, especially for winning entries. All agreed, from both sides of this matter, that they want to put forth writing that honors God.
Therefore, after many discussions with members, we have decided to adjust the guidelines to more of a middle position based on these talks, while asking the judges to pay closer attention to this matter. We have asked the judges to keep in mind our desire to promote Christian authors and Christian writing. We believe it is important that especially those entries selected as winners in the Challenge should not only offer great writing, but also be from a Christian worldview. Our goal in doing this is to continue to produce great articles from a Christian worldview while encouraging more members to enter again. FaithWriters is obviously a Christian writers' website, and we trust that our members as a whole desire to honor God with their writing. In my opinion, members are writing for God and not FaithWriters.
The new submission guidelines are somewhere in the middle of where they were from the beginning of the Challenge and where they have been this last year. These new guidelines will commence in the second quarter of this year, starting April 4, 2019. We appreciate your support.
The guidelines will state:
Entries may be in any style or genre, and they do not need to be overtly Christian in message. However, they must, at minimum, come from a Christian worldview/outlook. The entry may be directed to readers in general, the Christian reader, or may be evangelistic in nature. Entries can also be simply clean, fun and humorous from a Christian point of view, Christian Soup for the Soul style, provided they fit the topic. In the case of fiction, the Christian worldview/outlook may be subtle or allegorical, but it should still offer a fairly clear Christian viewpoint. While it is not required, adding a scripture verse is always encouraged to clarify a message. Entries that are clearly outside of a Christian worldview will remain on the list, but will be not eligible for judging. Entries with offensive language or content, that are overly violent or sensual, and/or are deemed inappropriate for the Challenge and Christian readers, will be removed, even if these elements are used in the portrayal of a non-Christian character.
Go HERE for some guidance on a Christian worldview.
Thank you to all of those members who helped in this matter.
We are the body of Christ, not perfect in the flesh, but always loving each other and working together.
Blessings, Michael |
| | The Challenge WILL Improve Your Writing!
NEVER MISS THAT PERFECT CHALLENGE TOPIC AGAIN. GO HERE and sign up in the right hand column for a weekly topic email. |
| | Don't you love getting comments and critiques on your articles? We all do.
We are asking all members to commit to being a blessing by commenting on at least one Challenge entry per day? It just takes a few minutes, and there are some great entries to read every week.
Be a blessing today by clicking the links below and leaving at least one comment.
We also encourage you to comment on regular articles now and then. Think of the encouragement we can be if many of us commented on one article per week or even per day! Just look at the top 200 titles and choose one that draws your attention.
Reading the work of others and critiquing them on a regular basis, helps us grow as writers. Both parties benefit.
Thank you to all our members who do leave comments on a regular basis. You will reap what you have sown.
You Are Just One Comment Away From Being and Receiving a Great Blessing. |
| | | | The Challenge Will Improve Your Writing Dramatically! Great Poem and Message
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Great (07/06/06)
Rosie Baxter's legacy By Melanie Kerr
Into a sleepy village By fields of golden corn Some families had moved into New houses one spring morn
The road of clean black tarmac Did not yet have a name The man behind the Council desk Said, “We are not to blame…
“A nasty horrid virus Has wiped our hard disc clean The list of “could-be-street-names” Is nowhere to be seen.”
“Let’s hold a competition,” The butcher boldly said “Suggestions for the street name – Invent our own instead.”
“We need a man of honour A hero straight and true A name that will provoke us And make us great men too!”
The posters soon appeared All neon pink and bright Stuck to every lamppost and Every tree in sight!
A cardboard box was fashioned A hole cut in the top And placed upon the counter In High Street’s old Co-op
Twice daily it was emptied The letters piled up high The butcher volunteered To read each one – Oh my!
“Beckham Close” wrote one man “The footballer’s sweet play Will always be remembered In this amazing way.”
“We were robbed, as eggs are eggs Of winning the World Cup His name upon the new street sign Will surely cheer him up.”
“But Beckham’s never been here,” The butcher’s wife complained As on her dining table The pile of letters rained.
The local schools with passion Joined in this wondrous game They practised “letter writing” To win was not their aim!
“Sponge Bob Square Pants Terrace?” In childish crayon scrawl. The butcher scratched his eye brow “That will not do at all!”
“Oh, here’s a good suggestion - Columbas Close”, he read He smiled as he remembered The man but ten years dead.
Sir Archibold, explorer Who spent his earthly life Tramping through the jungle With his devoted wife
He brought back souvenirs Of tiny shrunken heads That gave the children nightmares While sleeping in their beds.
“Here’s one for Isaac Avenue” The Reverend Isaac Jones Who rowed right up the Congo To preach in hallowed tones.
To pygmies went his message Those lost and heathen souls Armed just with bows and arrows They shot him full of holes
They put him in a cauldron And made him into stew A tough old bird was Isaac He took sometime to chew
From sunrise in the morning Till sunset late at night The butcher read each letter With no end yet in sight!
Stan Young, the famous runner Bill Haines who wrote those books There’s always Ivor Watkins With his handsome film star looks
“Dad, why not Rosie Baxter?” The butcher’s boy declared She was their next door neighbour A gentle soul who cared
She welcomed friends and strangers She had a ready smile She made and auctioned doll’s clothes For causes most worthwhile
She’d have a word in season To lift a weary heart To everyone both great and small Such love she would impart
Each Sunday she would be there In church her voice would sing And at the end of prayer times Her loud “Amen” would ring
This gentle lovely lady Had walked upon the Way If only they could follow Such love they could display!
The road was finally christened “Rose Walk” in black and white The blushing smile from Rosie Was such a lovely sight!
Greatness doesn’t need to come With mighty awesome deeds Just look around at folk near by And seek to serve their needs.
Melanie is another FaithWriters favorite. Go HERE to leave a comment. |
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Devotionals submitted from members publish on thousands of websites worldwide!
Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional Receive it by email or place it on your website HERE
Becoming More - Jennifer Woodley
‘I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.’ Romans 15:14 (NIV)
Paul knew exactly how to motivate people. Rather than dwelling on the believers shortcomings or failings, he told them of their virtues. He expected them to do the right thing and reminded them of the good that lay within each person. Paul anticipated the best in those he shared with and praised them for their right actions in advance.
What men and women need is encouragement. Their natural resisting powers should be strengthened, not weakened. Instead of harping on about a person’s faults, we must tell them of the goodness of God that is already inside of them. The glory of God that is bursting to come out. We ought to encourage each other out of our rut of bad habits. Hold up to them their better self, their real self that can dare and do and win out! When we look for the bad in another, expecting it, that is what we will get. But when we know we will find the good – we will get that.
The influence of a beautiful, helpful, hopeful character is contagious. So as Paul reminds us in Hebrews 10:24, let’s give some intentional thought as to how we can motivate each other towards love and goodness and in doing so we will inspire people to become more than they already are.
‘Heavenly Father, thank you that you are my great encourager. That you cheer wholeheartedly for me. Help me to offer the same inspiring encouragement to others. Thank you.’
Jennifer is an Australian freelance writer who enjoys encouraging others on their faith journey with Christ. Contact
Help us spread the good news of Jesus around the world. The FaithWriters devotional is on thousands of websites HERE , plus thousands go out by email and Twitter daily. They are also published about 90 days after FaithWriters on IDisciple HERE . Members are encouraged to submit an edited devotional for publication HERE. Submissions are a maximum of 300 words, helping you learn to write to topic and word count. You never know how your writing may inspire a brother or sister in Christ or impact a lost soul.
Watch this short video that will show you a few of the unique websites the devotional is currently on. Sites like the Church of Scotland and the Los Angeles police wives association. |
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Support Fellow Christian Authors - Free Reads for Reviews
Read Great Christian Books for Free in Exchange for a Review
Many already have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon.
These are all free to read for you while others pay full price on Amazon. Plus you receive the bonus of helping a fellow believer and FaithWriters member. It takes reviews to sell books these days, and other members appreciate your help.
This Months Featured Free Read for Review
Windsors Child: What God Did in a Small Boy's Life
Tom Parsons
An entertaining account of how God revealed Himself to the author when he was a small boy living in Wndsor, Ontario, Canada.
Learn how to get todays book for free HERE.
We have some great books for you to read for free!
There are several member books you can read for free in exchange for a review. Many already have multiple five-star reviews. One book is running just below five stars with over 200 reviews online, and it is listed in the top ten books of its two categories on Amazon. Another with over 40 reviews is running close to five stars and was honored as the book of the year by a major theological website. Another has over 30 reviews and is running almost five stars. Read one of these or one that has just joined the program and desperately needs reviews.
Go HERE to find other great books to read for FREE for a REVIEW.
Hurry and choose one while they are still free to read! The authors can take their books out of this program at any moment.
Have you written a book and need reviews? Learn about submitting your book to this program HERE. |
| | | Easter Special Offering so You Can Share the Truth of Jesus Get Some Today for Our Cost or Less
Don't know how to share your faith, let God and Gravity do the work. Order Today!
"After reading your book, and being that I’m a cop, the evidence was compelling so the choice became easy. Thank you for being a big part of saving my life and seeing the truth about Jesus." Undercover Detective
"Just read your book for the second time and thought I would check out your website. Thank you for writing the book and opening my eyes." Medical Doctor
"I was led to read this book at a time when I thought I was over Jesus, but truth defeats lies every time and never forsakes the believer.” Believer who almost walked away due to doubts
Easter is a time when many unbelievers are thinking about and often feel a strong calling towards Jesus. But all too often they let their fleshly desires, the worlds excuses and false claims there is no evidence to talk them out of Jesus. Gravity offers compelling objective evidence for the truth of God's existence and identity.
We offer Gravity in bulk orders of 10 or more for our cost to hand out. God is using Gravity in over 1,300 prisons, on college campuses, on the street and online in several languages to lead people to Jesus. As a member of FaithWriters, I want to offer you an even better deal to obtain some copies to hand out to friends, family, neighbors or your entire church body, right before Easter. Therefore, I am offering FaithWriters members this deal, donate to cover our cost if you can, or whatever you can afford, for the size order you need and I will have them shipped to you. If you cannot cover our cost but will put them to great work, I want you to have some even if you can only cover shipping. Just tell me you are a FaithWriters member on the order form. Go HERE TO VIEW AND ORDER early before Easter. It is the perfect time to hand some out. This offer for less than cost is for USA orders only due to extreme shipping costs out of country.
"I've found old tattered copies of your book with inmates signatures in the back with the dates they made commitments to follow Christ." Prison guard who hands out Gravity to inmates
"James told me that originally he saw and read this book at the Erie County Holding Center in Buffalo, NY. He told me that the book is amazing and had 6 signatures of men accepting Jesus as their Savior in the back before his." Message from a spouse whose husband accepted Jesus in prison.
"This book sparked a new interest in learning the truth about God. This book establishes the fundamentals of believing in God." Medical Doctor
"My whole ministry team is using these and handing them out. We've had at least 4 people we can name who have come to faith in Christ as a direct result of reading the book, overcoming some mental hurdles and then really hearing the gospel from us with fresh ears." Steve at the Navigators Ministry OKSU |
| | Do This Today!
Do You Always Keep a Copy of Your Articles? We STRONGLY recommend you do this today and occasionally in the future as you add more articles
We appreciated your patience when FaithWriters was down for over two days a few months ago, due to issues with our service provider. The issue we experienced makes this message of even more importance. We do not want you to lose your articles. Therefore, we have been pushing this for over a year and hope you have already taken advantage of it. You can download a copy of your articles in mass, with one click on the site.
We back up the site regularly but cannot give you a 100% guarantee of there safety. Things happen online as you know. Hackers are a big issue and some out there would like to take a Christian site down. If you log into the site and look in the middle left column of the My Account page under Update and Manage Your Profile/Account, you will see the following link on the website.
Click Here to Download a Copy of Your Articles in Mass
When you are logged into the site, click on that link on the website and a copy of your articles will be downloaded to your computer in a zip file. It will be fairly quick depending on your internet speed and number of articles. Save them to your computer or a thumb drive. While this should download all of your articles, sometimes a couple are missed for some unknown reason. Therefore, double check the downloaded articles by opening each one on your computer. If an important one is missed, you will need to manually copy it to your records from the site. Then going forward, make sure to keep a copy of each new article you post.
Make sure to do this today to protect your writing. Log in HERE. |
| | Platinum Member Books
Now Appear in Over 100 Site Ads
Promote your Christian book on FaithWriters, and you will help support our mission to grow Christian writers and spread the gospel in over 230 countries online. You will not find more exposure for your Christian book anywhere at this price.
Watch this short video HERE. |
| | Another Great Way to Improve The Critique CircleFellow Members Need Your Help.
Providing comments and critiques for fellow members is of great encouragement to them. It is also the perfect way to improve your writing skill.
Tips on Giving Critiques
Critiquing the work of others requires balance. Being too nice will not help your fellow writers develop their work; being too harsh can crush a writer’s ego (particularly new writers, who tend to be shy about sharing their work). How can you achieve the right balance? Here are some tips:
Take care to point out both what works, and what doesn’t. If you’re new to critiquing, a good hint would be to point out one thing you like (a phrase, a description, an idea) for each thing that bothered you.
Whenever possible, be specific when pointing out things that you didn’t like (don’t just say “I didn’t like this part” or “I’d cut that,” say “I didn’t like this part because…” or “I’d cut that because…”).
Try to offer suggestions when you think a change is needed. Suggestions, even to the point of an offered rewording, can be very helpful; even if the suggestion isn’t exactly right for the author to use, he or she may get a good idea from it, or at least a better understanding of the point you are trying to make.
Be honest and direct, but in a polite and caring way. Holding back your feelings about a piece because you’re afraid to share your thoughts isn’t going to help anyone. Just be mindful of how you share your opinions!
We Also Need Your Article to Critique!
Members and paid editors provide the critiques in the circle. You can even submit your judged Challenge entries to the circle.
"I have a few, very few, trusted friends who will edit me with a scowl. Most people want you to feel good so they give you compliments about your writing, and these don’t help at all (except emotionally). Really, you need some grouches to edit your work." Philip Yancey in a FaithWriters interview.
This is a real chance to help others and receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing.
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Support FaithWriters Spread of the Gospel
Fishers of Men in Over 230 Countries Together We Spread the Gospel on The Net
There is only one unforgivable sin, the sin of unbelief. Those who believe will trust God and are led to the safety of Jesus. Those who do not believe will be like those who did not enter the Ark and were lost.
The enemy is alive and rampant online with a word of unbelief. A message of hate for Christianity and Jesus. A message that is leading countless children to embrace unbelief. (Free book HERE you can review with your kids on the objective evidence for Christianity.)The number of atheist sites and organizations posting online is increasing rapidly. If you go no further in this message, at least go HERE and see for yourself the growing number of purveyors of unbelief online. Here is a short video we would like you to watch also.
Not all of us can go around the world as missionaries in person, but we can reach the world online. We can even reach many places missionaries cannot go in person. The world needs sites like FaithWriters, prepared Christian authors and as many Christian articles and books that point to Jesus as possible. The web especially needs your Bible studies, apologetic articles, calls to salvation, nonfiction and fiction articles and books leading people to Jesus. Together we attract lost people from all over the world who need Jesus along with believers who need their minds renewed and encouraged. God has given us a great opportunity to reach many people who may have never heard of Jesus. The image above marks the location of our visitors.
Numerous people from around the world have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior directly through FaithWriters. We contact every person who leaves an email address and provide them with more information. Sometimes we correspond with them several times. We even offer to place them in contact with another believer (FaithWriters member) in their country. Consider how much time people --- especially kids --- spend on the internet these days. Watch this two-minute video from Kimberly on how she found God on the internet
A few unedited emails from people who have accepted Jesus on the site.
1) This first one was from a person who hacked FaithWriters a few years ago. We feared the entire site might be lost. We prayed for our hackers and posted articles letting them know that their salvation was more important than the website. The shutdown of the site stopped and we received this message through our evangelism page. I am certain is was our hacker.
Type of prayer : first time prayer
Country : Algeria - Please leave a comment. : "I JESUS PRAY TODAY MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER I USED TO BE THIEF CRIMINAL IDENTITY SCAM BUT NOW LIFE IS BETTER UNDER JESUS CHRIST MY LORD SAVIOR."
Your work occupation : Other Religious background : Muslim
2) "Hi my name is Collin I live in Utah heber I know that we are n the last days and I want to be saved so please I need help I've been going to site to site I'm tired of going home from school a sinner I'm stressed with all my homework I cry more than ever sometimes I need Jesus." (This message was obviously from a young boy)
3) "I felt the the holyspirit lead me to you and that God's message of love drew me here."
4) "I want Jesus to be the number one in my life."
5) "I'm saved from sin and I've rededicated my life to HIM who owns me. I'm now free from lies, exam malpractice etc. Pray for me to believe that indeed "It is finished "
6) "I accepted Jesus as Lord and Need A Bible." (We sent Roger a Bible.)
7) "I have accepted Jesus and prayer not continue to commit sin any more." Matthew
8) Recently had a deputy police chief from a major city accept Jesus on the site. He is responsible for over 1,500 officers and staff and could be a big influence for Jesus. Please pray for J. Ramar.
9) "Jesus is my Lord and Savior, please save us from witchcraft, sorcery, divination, polygamy, immorality, astral projection, pride, all sin iniquity fathers, false religion, false gods, show me your way, give me purity, holiness, give me Jesus true, save me from work of devil, and evil spirit, kingdom of darkness be destroyed, give me holiness, save us from Satan and his work, premature death, I need to serve Jesus, thank You Jesus, Amen." Anna S.
For quite some time now, FaithWriters has been experiencing increasing expenses and declining income. The vast majority (99%) of our members are free, even though our membership is only pennies per day. Our main ongoing expenses come from administering the Challenge, other tools that help writers improve and site maintenance. We have increasing regular expenses and heftier one time expenses like converting our large site to a mobile responsive site. We always seem to have some type of technical issue cropping up that needs to be corrected too.
We need your help by upgrading! Go Gold at $5.95 or Platinum at $10.95 per month and help support the spread of the gospel and the growth of Christian writers on FaithWriters. As followers of Jesus, we are making a difference by publishing the truth of Jesus. Men and women from over 230 countries (View Countries Here) are drawn to the FaithWriters by the various articles on the end of our virtual fishing pole. Often our visitors are from closed countries to the message of Christ and they have no other way to learn about Jesus. They are able to learn from our evangelism site and the sister-sites to which we have provided links, including sites with in-depth information in their native language.
You can also upgrade and designate it as a payment to sponsor new writers. We have many people from around the world who do not have the funds to upgrade. In some countries, even if they do have the funds, no payment processor will handle online payments due to online corruption in their country.
Upgrade or sponsor a person HERE. Just click on Gold or Platinum. As a current member you just need to do the PayPal portion. You do not need to do a new profile. When we see your PayPal come through, we will credit your account. If you wish to sponsor a member, email us after you do the PayPal and tell us your payment was for this purpose. We need to keep telling people about Jesus! Will you help us?
We wish you many blessings in Christ and thank you for your support! Michael & Bea Edwards and everyone at FaithWriters
In supporting FaithWriters you gain access to more tools to improve your writing, foster the growth of new Christian writers and spread the gospel in over 230 countries online. All for pennies per day.
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| | We Always Respond to Emails
If you do not receive a timely response to an email, we did not receive your email, or you did not receive our reply. We are constantly battling overwhelming amounts of spam and sometimes emails we should receive end up in our spam by accident.
You should check your spam and make sure that writer-support@faithwriters.com,
bea@faithwriters.com and michael@faithwriters.com are on your email providers approved list.
If you have tried more than once and did not receive a reply, click on a contact link at the bottom of most FaithWriters pages and send us a message telling us of the issue. We will try and email you from another email provider.
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Don't Skimp on the Editing Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!
Noel Mitaxa is an Aussie storyteller and one of several editors offering editing services.. He has syndicated his weekly Good News column in Australian secular newspapers for over twenty years; a syndication that's recently expanded into Australia's armed services and to the USA and the UK.
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| | This Months FaithWriters Great Reads Selection
We have some excellent writers and many topics to choose from at FaithWriters. Bless your fellow members by reading one or more of their books. Just imagine how you would feel if they did the same for you. Many of these books have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon.
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Recently Added Books as Described by the Author
Biblical studies
The Perfect Religion, A Beacon to the True Kingdom of God: Where have you been hiding
Phillip Cimei
Your Price: $9.99
Is there such a thing as a perfect religion? If so, then why are there over 34,000 branches of the Christian faith? If there is one true body of believers, why do some feel like the following:
• I need to wander around from church to church because I’m not satisfied
• I’m afraid if I make a mistake I’m hell bound
• I’m stuck in a lukewarm church with members who are satisfied with a mediocre religious life
• I’m tired of that one doctrinal point that defines my church and excludes other Christians
• I’m not sure if what the preacher is teaching is correct, but I’m afraid to buck the system
The author, having embraced all of these destressing feelings, takes the reader on an unprecedented treasure hunt to find that illusive perfect religion. And after 50 years of digging he might have hit the mother lode—The Sermon on the Mount. Will it satisfy those still searching for the truth. Will it reaffirm the faith of those who have found the treasure? Will this truth set those shackled to a confused state free? The author addresses the problem head on.
He weaves through the maze of controversy, theological mumbo jumbo, and religious opinions to give answers to why there is so much division in the church. And why so many wandering souls are searching, if not in their heart, from church to church. He uses captivating illustrations—a girl with a moose, a boy ravaged with a flesh-eating disease, and a vulture eyeballing a starving child, to bring to life Christ’s quest to show those wandering souls the way.
“Will I truly find God?” you ask.
“I love those who love me and those who seek me diligently will find me” Prov. 8:17
from Amazon.com!
Fiction
The Young Boy In Me: A Novel Based On The Traditions And Cultures Of Zimbabwe Africa
Agatha Mangwende
Your Price: $4.99
It is the story of a professional young man reminiscing over his childhood as a sickly, unwanted, abused child but fortunately has a grandmother, uncle and aunt who care for him.
from Amazon.com!
Reaching Tomorrow: The Legend of Sally Sager
Gerald Shuler
Your Price: $2.00
A young American girl of the 1850s is given in marriage to a Canadian trapper and she must learn to cope with her new life. She soon learns to do far more than simply cope... she thrives.
Login to Buy!
Non-Fiction
Ok, God, Let's Start from Here
Tricia Draper
Your Price: $14.95
Have you ever wondered what God is saying to you? Do you have questions you would like answered? In this book, God answers such questions about how to trust, praise and listen to Him. God chose you specifically and wants you to have a deep personal relationship with Him.
from Amazon.com!
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